> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.harness.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.harness.io/release-orchestration/troubleshooting-and-resources/release-orchestration-use-cases/end-to-end-release-walkthrough.md).

# End-to-End Release Walkthrough

This walkthrough demonstrates the complete lifecycle of a release from creation through execution to completion.

### Step 1: Create or select a process <a href="#step-1-create-or-select-a-process" id="step-1-create-or-select-a-process"></a>

* Create a process using Harness AI (or select an existing process).
* Review phases, activities, dependencies, and owners.

### Step 2: Add activities from the Activity Store <a href="#step-2-add-activities-from-the-activity-store" id="step-2-add-activities-from-the-activity-store"></a>

* Add reusable activities to phases.
* Use pipeline activities for automated steps and manual activities for sign-off and input capture.

### Step 3: Model and schedule the release <a href="#step-3-model-and-schedule-the-release" id="step-3-model-and-schedule-the-release"></a>

* Create a release from the process.
* Configure cadence (on demand, scheduled, or recurring release group).
* Open the release in the Release Calendar.

### Step 4: Pre-execute and provide inputs <a href="#step-4-pre-execute-and-provide-inputs" id="step-4-pre-execute-and-provide-inputs"></a>

* Pre-execute the release (or wait for the scheduled time).
* Provide the minimum required inputs using the Input Store.

### Step 5: Execute and monitor <a href="#step-5-execute-and-monitor" id="step-5-execute-and-monitor"></a>

* Monitor phase and activity progress.
* Review the activity execution history.
* If needed, retry, ignore, or fix-and-continue.

### Step 6: Manual sign-off (when required) <a href="#step-6-manual-sign-off-when-required" id="step-6-manual-sign-off-when-required"></a>

* When a phase is waiting for approval, complete the manual activity and record sign-off inputs.

### Related Topics <a href="#related-topics" id="related-topics"></a>

* [Multi-Service Release Example](/release-orchestration/troubleshooting-and-resources/release-orchestration-use-cases/multi-service-release-example.md)